A Word from Bill Rusin
Secondary Teacher
Several years ago, Iain Provan, an Australian academic theologian spoke at Regent College in Vancouver, B.C.:
Be dangerous to those who worship money and material possessions – the idols of mammon. Lay bare the utopianism at the heart of modern economic ideology. Deride the universal expectation of more. Unmask the false gods; and proclaim that Jesus is Lord.
In the front rows, the graduating class sat enthralled. At the back, other students shifted excitedly in their seats, some whispering agreement as Provan’s language soared.
I charge you, most seriously . . . [to] be dangerous to all who, in the pursuit of [false] gods, damage other people, and damage God’s good creation. Be dangerous to the powerful who want to use and oppress the weak, and to the rich who want to use and oppress the poor. (Confront) those who diminish the importance of the individual person, in the womb or in the twilight years, or in between – to those who trample the individual soul, out of deference to the convenience of other family members, the health of the economy, the good of the state, or the well-being of the planet. Don’t be safe… and certainly don’t (just) be nice. Be good. Be Godly.’
Sometimes we play down the significance of the reality of the Christian faith and its impact while we “do life”. We are afraid of making people feel uncomfortable, afraid that our relationship with them might take a turn for the worse. However, if we genuinely believe our own rhetoric, then we have no choice but to consider Provan’s exhortation. A Christian school, while being a place that nurtures children and cares for them deeply is a place that challenges students to be good, godly, and yes, willing and strong enough to confront the idolatry of the day that declares that the good life is defined by wealth and consumption.
I am glad that Kuyper Christian School is one that is seeking to produce students who will be wise enough to affirm what is good in the world, and willing to confront those things that promote injustice and are devoid of mercy. This is a long term endeavour that requires diligence and wisdom by those who have been given the task of teaching; mums and dads, teachers, trusted adults. That is why partnership is so important; that our children do not get too many conflicting voices pulling against each other. They are in a world that is confusing enough. If nothing else, I hope that they understand the power and extraordinary implications of the phrase “Jesus is Lord”.
I have appreciated the opportunity to work at Kuyper in 2020 in my 32nd year of working in Christian schools. Thank you for trusting me to help shape your children’s hearts and minds. It is weighty work that we are engaged in. May God strengthen and enable us to continue to seek to do His work in this most vital sphere of life.
Reminders
- TOMORROW Secondary students who have ordered soup may enjoy it!
- Families are reminded to ensure that at least half of your school fees for the year are paid by the end of June. If you need to discuss this, please contact Tina in the Office Monday – Thursday.
- We have oodles of lost property here in the Office following the athletics carnival. Please come and claim some!
- Tomorrow’s prayer meeting will be held in the Office from 7 – 7:30pm. All welcome.
- We would still like some help with morning tea on Friday 1 July for the 40 Year Celebration Service. Please email admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au if you can assist.
- All students, staff and their families should be aware of NSW Health’s advice to reduce the risk of COVID-19, and other illnesses that may affect schools this coming winter, such as the flu. Please note the following NSW Health messages: stay home if unwell; keep up to date with vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service. Flu vaccines are free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, or for a small charge for those aged 5 years and older; get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result; even if you receive a negative result, do not attend school whilst symptomatic; practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water; take a RAHT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.
- Eczema Support Australia has recently released a new video series with Dr Justin Coulson on Practical Parenting for Eczema Families. The video resource provides an insight into the daily challenges faced by families with eczema. It also provides strategies to help develop positive coping mechanisms and reduce feelings of isolation for the family unit. Please use this link to view the video series.
Prayer & Praise
- Praise God that he continues in his sovereignty through all circumstances. Praise God for His grace towards us through Jesus Christ. He is worthy of all of our love and devotion. Worship and thank Him for His sacrifice that rescued us from death.
- Give thanks for our athletics carnival; for great weather and friendly competition. Give thanks for our staff and volunteers who contributed so much to the day.
- Give thanks for our staff. Pray that the Lord would restore us all to full health and strength to finish Term 2 well.
- Give thanks for all our students and their families. Pray for the ministry of the Holy Spirit through those who know Him, to lead us in prayer, words and deeds to encourage and exhort each other and find our health, peace and direction in the Lord. Pray for protection over the hearts and minds of our children and young people.
- Give thanks for our CEN schools. Pray for Dubbo Christian School, and their Principal. Pray for healing, fellowship and peace.
- Pray for our 40 year celebrations; that we would be truly thankful and joyful for what God has provided and achieved for us and through us. Pray that we would continue in the spirit we began with in 1982.
- Give thanks for our Kuyper families. Pray for connections to strengthen and grow in genuine community and care for eachother.
- Give thanks for our Government and those in authority. Pray that they would be led in wisdom and truth to lead our country for the future good of all. Pray that “every person be subject to the governing authorities.” Give thanks that our government has been “instituted by God” (Romans 13:1).
- Praise God for the faithful Pioneers of Kuyper Christian School. Give thanks for those who have continued to nurture and grow those beginnings. Give thanks for Abraham Kuyper, his vision and his teachings. Give thanks that our foundations are in Christ, who is the source of all Truth. Give thanks that we are in partnership with each other – staff, parents and carers – as we serve the Lord by nurturing children in the knowledge and love of Him. Thank Him for each individual who makes up the Kuyper Community and lead us to value the whole person, so that each one may be encouraged in their relationship with God. Thank God for the students he has entrusted to our care, made in His image, to glorify Him. Worship Him because He is holy. Thank Him for His love and faithfulness towards His creation. Praise Him as Creator God, from whom we inherit our creativity. Give abundant thanks for his mercy and grace, without which we would be lost indeed. Give thanks also for His justice, that will not fail, and His forgiveness which is freely extended to all who would accept it. Give thanks for our God and his omnipotence; his power and influence is unlimited! Give thanks for our God and his omniscience; his universal understanding and complete knowledge.
- Give thanks for our Board and Executive teams. Pray for one-ness of purpose for our staff, Board, Executive team, and Association.
News & Notices
Employment at Kuyper Christian School
Applications are invited from Christians of Reformed persuasion who identify with the School ethos and can demonstrate their Christian faith in Jesus as a priority in their life.
Bus Driver
This is a temporary part time position, 5 days per week – split shift. The successful applicant will be responsible for bus driving duties which will include, but not be restricted to, morning and afternoon school bus runs, excursions and sporting activities during school terms, to commence in Term 1, 2022.
Requirements:
- MR driver’s licence
- Working with Children Check
- COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate
Administration Support
This is a temporary part time position, 2 days per week, during school terms, to commence in Term 1, 2022.
Duties:
- Supporting the Administration team
- Administering First Aid
- Managing a busy reception, serving staff, parents, and students
Requirements:
- Working with Children Check
- COVID-19 Vaccination certificate
- First Aid certificate
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Strong organisation skills, and flexibility
- Competent computer skills including MS Office and Google
- Ability to prioritise and work independently
Desirable:
- MYOB
- Edumate
- Adobe
All applicants must complete an application form which can be found on our website https://kuyper.nsw.edu.au/employment/
Applications close 5:00pm Friday 24 December, 2021.
Please send your application, including CV, to Ian Shaw: ishaw@kuyper.nsw.edu.au
Looking Forward to Limelight@Home
Limelight@Home will be streamed via an unlisted YouTube link on Tuesday, 7 December, from 6:30pm. Only Kuyper families will be given access to the link. To protect our students’ privacy, please do not share the link outside your family. Limelight@Home will be available to view for two hours after the event. We encourage families to enjoy community by celebrating in small COVID-safe groups.
This is also your last chance to purchase a showbag to assist with your lime celebrations. They are family-sized showbags for $15 each. Here, you can see what’s inside…
Order your showbag by emailing the Office (admin@kuyper.nsw.edu.au) by Monday morning 6 December. Once showbags are ready and payment has been received, we will send your order home with your child. Payment can be made via direct deposit, cash or EFT. Families who have already ordered a showbag can collect it from the Office. Otherwise, it will be sent home with your eldest child on Monday afternoon.
In a year of unpleasant pressures, disappointments, shifting sands and unexpected joys, let us hold fast to the certainty of Jesus and rejoice in His changeless Limelight together.
Secondary Sausage Sizzle Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, students will be holding a sausage sizzle for Secondary students and staff (sorry Primary students!).
Sausage sandwiches will be $3 and drinks will be $2. Come to the Food Technology room at lunch time to purchase.
For all students, Zooper Doopers will be sold at the Hall during recess and lunch for $1. Don’t forget to also wear non-uniform and bring a gold coin!
All money raised will be donated to Compassion and Operation Christmas Child. Thank you all very much for your support.
New Website
Hooray! Our New Website is here. Check us out at https://kuyper.nsw.edu.au/, and tell your friends!
Thanks to Elevate Creative for the website build, Natural Focus Photography for some fabulous new promo shots, and to all the students, staff and parents who took part.